Quick Tips
- Look for elk in small roadless areas
- Many good fly fishing sites are near Taos
- ATV's are not required but can make covering ground easier
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 320"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 155"-165" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
South and southwest of the Taos Pueblo, this unit is mostly in the Carson National Forest. Great public access is found here along with good game densities. This unit provides a good mixture of heavy timber with interspersed openings which can make for a very fun hunt.
This area provides excellent hunting opportunities for hunters with good game densities and plenty of public access options.
Terrain
Steep, forested mountains in the Carson National Forest comprise most of this unit. Private property in the northwest and northeast corners includes some flat land below the mountains. Several peaks are more than 10,000 above sea level, and the highest point exceeds 11,000 feet. Foothills and some flat land is below the forested part of the unit in the northeastern and northwestern corners.
Roughly 425 square miles
78.2% public land
Elevations range from about 6,900-11,000 feet
Vegetation
Except for a few foothills and flat lands in the northeast and northwest, this unit is entirely forested and below timberline. A few parks are in the forest, and the southern exposures of some of the higher peaks have some areas that have no trees. High country is mostly covered with forests of pines, firs and spruces, while middle levels have ponderosa pines and some aspens. Below that level is mostly pinyon-juniper forest. Foothills are covered with low brush and desert grasses.
Access
Access to public land is excellent almost anywhere. Some tribal land is in the south and is not open to public hunting. None of the unit is designated as wilderness. A good road system can be found throughout the national forest.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters may camp almost anywhere on the Carson National Forest. Several campgrounds are along State Route 64 in the north. Motels are in Taos at the northwest corner.
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